Baramati Medical College, Ajit Pawar's Vision, Turns Site of His Post-Mortem in Heartbreaking Twist
In a poignant and tragic turn of events, the Government Medical College in Baramati, a project championed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, became the very institution where his post-mortem was conducted following his untimely death in a crash. As his last rites were performed at the Vidya Pratishthan ground in Baramati, college authorities and medical officers are grappling with the harsh reality that their beloved "Ajit Dada" is no more, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and care.
Meticulous Oversight and Unforeseen Tragedy
Each visit by Ajit Pawar to his hometown of Baramati invariably included a detailed review of the Government Medical College, established just six years ago. Dr Manoj Khomane, Health Officer of Baramati Taluka, recounted how Pawar monitored every aspect, from the colour of chairs in the auditorium to departmental progress, aiming to shape it into a premier medical institution. "Alas, little did we know then that a post-mortem would one day be performed on his body in that very institution, with his mortal remains preserved and DNA samples collected," Dr Khomane said, highlighting the cruel irony of the situation.
Shock and Grief Amidst Identification Challenges
On the morning of the crash, Dr Khomane received a call for an additional ambulance from the Sub Divisional Office in Baramati. "Our ambulances were already stationed at the airstrip as per VIP protocol. We reached the site, praying nothing untoward had occurred, but by 8:49 am, crowds outside the college had become aggressive, and we were all in a state of shock," he added. Health department teams from Pune faced the grim task of identifying charred bodies, with Ajit Pawar's body recognized by his wristwatch and his personal security officer identified via a nameplate on a waist belt.
Beyond the logistical challenges, the emotional strain was immense. "There was not a single dry eye in the room as post-mortem procedures were taken up," Dr Khomane recalled, emphasizing the deep personal loss felt by the medical community.
Precision in an Atmosphere of Sorrow
Dr Rajesh Umap, Medical Superintendent of Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Government Medical College and Hospital in Baramati, admitted that teams were overwhelmed and distressed. "Our work was carried out in this atmosphere of grief, and we ensured each step was taken with precision," he said. Initial CT-scans assessed for foreign bodies in respiratory tracts, followed by post-mortem examinations that revealed fractures from the crash impact. A team from the Regional Forensic Laboratory in Pune collected DNA samples, including tooth and femur bones, as per police directives.
Remembering Ajit Pawar's Active Role in Healthcare
Several medical officers reflected on Ajit Pawar's proactive involvement in medical issues. As the working President of the Maharashtra Association of Gazetted Medical Officers, Dr Khomane cherished memories of Pawar as a go-to person for expediting pending work. "The state had increased the non-practising allowance per the 7th Pay Commission, but it was Ajit Pawar's active role that helped implement this decision, benefiting many medical officers," he noted, underscoring Pawar's commitment to healthcare improvements.
This tragic episode not only marks a personal loss for Baramati but also highlights the enduring impact of Ajit Pawar's efforts in building and nurturing the medical college, now forever linked to his memory.
